Hi all. This is sod's law. I had a steroid inj in my shoulder in the middle of may and have been absolutely fantastic since. It seemed to go all round my body and I have had no pain in the last 8 weeks. I saw my Consultant 2 weeks ago who said that my disease was just as active as it had been when she saw me last and I couldn't believe it. As you know she wanted me to take another drug alongside mxt and I declined for the time being. She reluctantly let me have another 4 months and I see her in November. Yes, you've guessed it. I am now racked with pain. My shoulder is worse than it was before I had the inj. It is weekend, I can't ring anyone before monday and I go on holiday on wednesday for 3 weeks. We have been looking forward to this holiday being a decent length of time and I am totally gutted. I am hoping that my lovely physio will see me and when he sees how bad it is he will pop next door and ask doc for another inj but I know this is a long shot. I knew it was going to happen but why now???? Thanks for listening.

Sheila x

So sorry, Sheila. This bliddy disease has so much to answer for. Hoping and praying you get some much needed relief before you go away. Have you asked for tramadol and oromorph to tide you over whilst you are away? They may decide not to give you any more injections for now as your last one was only in May

We were due to go to a much looked forward to lunch out today with Doreen, Ian and Hannah in Heyfield, but guess who woke this morning with a huge right knee and ankle unable to put her foot on the floor? Never mind - we've got each other on the forum and that counts for a lot.

Much love xxxxxxxxxxx

So sorry to hear this Sheila, poor you.

The places you visiting sound lovely. I adore Dartmouth, I love watching all the folk
come in off their boats whilst eating fish and ships from 'Filthy Mcnasty', mmm they are lovely.

Sorry to hear that you are so sore Sheila, I have had a steriod injection from my General GP
so perhaps he can help you on Monday. Hope you get sorted

Rose x

hi Shelia,

so sorry to hear the news after you were doing so well and so postive.

i'm also going on my Hols on Monday and i have to admit i am feeling slightly anxious as you know my RA isn't under control yet and my joints are not good. we are also staying in this Country thankfully, don't think i could cope with airports etc.

really hope you can get seen by the Physio for some support before you go, or at best your GP as Rose suggests.

take care,

Suzanne x

Hi Sheila

Hope you are able to get some help on Monday with the pain control, as you are going away on holiday. Would a course of steroids possibly be an option as a temporary fix ?

Have a lovely holiday, I gather the weather is meant to be improving too - might get a bit more Summer

Julia x

Thank you all so much for your lovely replies.

Rose - I am still looking forward to going and Dartmouth is where we had our first holiday after we were married. I am sure it will have changed but I bet Filthy McNasty's is still there.

Suzanne - I hope you have a great holiday. It is awful when you are in pain but if you are having a relaxing quiet holiday it is better. Airports etc are not for me either. I hope you feel better while you are away and the rest does you good.

Kathleen - I am thinking I won't be able to get another inj so soon but I am also thinking that it might be better if I can manage without one and just take lots of painkillers with me. I know it isn't good to have too many steroid inj and that concerns me too. I think I will just have to go with my gut instinct in the morning. Yes we are going to some lovely places. This was suppose to be our european tour but quite rightly, hubby thought it would be too much driving. I was very relieved really. I don't like going abroad much. So many lovely places to visit in Britain.

Doreen - Looking forward to seeing how the place has changed. Not too much we hope. Of course there are two reasons why we are going, because we haven't been for about 20 years and to get some tips before we embark on our voyage. I need to make sure I have learned how to tie my knots properly. Must pop in to The Royal Naval College and remind the hunky sailors of the date we set sail.

Julia - I don't think a course of steroids would be right for me as it is really only my shoulder that is bad at the moment. Not sure I want an inj now. I don't really know what I want except to get rid of this awful pain. I can't make a decision about anything these days, I think the RA has turned my brain to cheese as well. I think you are right about the weather. Let's hope it lasts for a while.

Ceri - I do hope your next operation is successful. Are you having a new joint? When I had my last inj the doc said that if it didn't work to come back and he would give me another one so I think it is just the timing that is bad. You know how difficult it is to get an appointment. I don't think I would get one in two days even if I paid but as I said, I am not sure what I want yet. Hopefully I will wake up with a clearer head tomorrow. Bless you all.

Sheila x

Hi Jenni - Thank you for your reply and your caring words. It actually, doesn't seem quite as bad today but I will have to see what it is like in the morning. Getting dressed is a nightmare and once it had settled down today, not so bad but of course I have to get undressed soon and it will set it off again. If I live to be a hundred I will never understand this wretched disease. God bless.

Sheila x

Thanks Trace. You have hit the nail on the head. Certainly for me, at the moment, the problem is the unpredictability. The pain is not too bad today. It is certainly much better than it was on friday and saturday but it is like the sword of Damacles hanging over me. If I could stay like this I could manage with pain killers but will it stay like this? Who knows? I am just going to risk it and hope and pray that I will be ok. If it gets unbearable while I am away I will go to the nearest hospital and ask if they can help me. I am going to be very positive and say it will be ok and I will deal with it when I get back. Take care

Sheila x

So sorry to hear things not good for you Tracy and extremely frustrating for you. Not much we can do long distance to help, but just to let you know that you're in my thoughts and hope things improve for you very soon.

Rachaelxx

My right hand is even worse today. Was awake all night (again). it is very swollen and cannot move it.

I went to GP today, he took bloods and is going to speak to my consultant tomoorw, he wants to give me a steroid inj.I'm just glad I'm on summer hols, don't need the stress of phoning in sick either!!

Hope u r all well and pain free

Trace xx